The Basilica of Bom Jesus: My Holy Tale
The Basilica of Bom Jesus: My Holy Tale
Dear Atithi (Traveller),
You are welcome to the blissful world of Goa.
I am pleased to meet you. I am the Basilica of Bom Jesus located in the center of Old Goa. Listen to me attentively. Do you hear the whispers of my walls? They tell tales of centuries of faith, devotion, and history. I was the abode of spirituality. It’s where a saint rests in eternal peace. Would you like to hear my tale? It was in the year 1594 that the ground for my construction was laid. The Portuguese had established Goa as their colony at this time. The Portuguese people brought with them a strong faith in Christianity. Under the Portuguese rule in Goa, the people wanted a grand church. The plan was that it would be a symbol of faith for centuries.
It was 11 years that my construction took, and I got sanctified in 1605. I was given the name Bom Jesus, and when translated, it means “Good Jesus” in Portuguese. It was a special name of Infant Jesus. My design was different from what was previously seen in India. I was built in the Baroque style. Do you know about my unique majestic façade? It was made with unplastered laterite stone. It gave me an eternally, yet weathered, beauty and appearance.
I was blessed and lucky to become the resting place of St. Francis Xavier. St. Xavier was among the dedicated Jesuit missionaries who bore the pain and burden of spreading Christianity throughout India and elsewhere.
He died in 1552. But the astonishing fact was that his body was found intact even many years after burial.
After recognizing it as a holy sign, his body was brought to me in 1624. It was kept inside a well-curated silver box, where it lies. For every ten-year gap, his body is laid out for display. During these specific display periods, Goa, as a tourist destination, manages to receive the maximum tourist traffic. Millions of devout followers and admirers of Christianity come to Goa from all across the globe. Dear Atithi, please note not just Christian community people but also people of other religions visit me and share with me their happiness and pain. I welcome them also with equal love and compassion.
Over the years, I have seen pilgrims pouring their hearts out during prayer, whispering their tears and dreams. The Portuguese governors, Indian believers, and visitors from faraway lands are awed by my carved wooden altars, covered in gold, alongside my beautiful marble floors adorned with precious gems.
Despite wars, colonial transitions, and time passing by, my faith has never shaken. The day came when India turned into an independent country. Goa acquired a new identity and merged with independent India in 1961. It did not lead to any dip in my stature among individuals from all over India. I remained steadfast and hospitably embraced all those who yearned for peace and divinity within my boundaries.
Yes, I am a church, but I have a different identity as well. Are you aware of that?
Do you know that I am a UNESCO World Heritage Site? I was a symbol of Goa’s glorious past. Your Basilica of Bom Jesus is a symbol of faith that transcends boundaries. The light candles in my halls, the choir, and every nook and corner of mine sing hymns. All visitors observe me with massive curiosity. My ageless beauty makes them feel awe. I am the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Your Basilica of Bom Jesus is the custodian of history. I am a resident of miracles and a witness to the unfading power of faith.
I hope you loved my story and journey in the pages of history. Thank you for visiting me and listening to my story. I wish you spread my story to many more people who have not yet visited me. I wish you all spread love and become a follower of love and care. May the Lord Jesus bless you all.
Lots of love
Yours truly
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
There’s something so powerful about stepping into a place with centuries of history—it’s like time slows down, and you can almost feel the stories in the air. Your description of the intricate architecture and spiritual energy of the basilica made me want to plan a trip right away. I love how you captured the peaceful yet awe-inspiring vibe of the place. Goa is often just seen as a beach destination, but its heritage sites are equally stunning. St. Francis Xavier’s connection to the basilica is truly fascinating—I can only imagine how surreal it must be to see his remains in person. Y
This was such a captivating read! I love how you bring monuments to life through their own voices. The Basilica of Bom Jesus feels so much more than just a historic site—it’s a witness to faith, time, and devotion. Looking forward to more such stories!
Your images brought the splendor and majesty of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa.
For believers it is a place of intense spiritual connect and feeling of peace reigns in when you fold your hands to pray.
To me it was also a magnificent monument with its gold foil, paintings and carvings and laterite structure that has weathered hundreds of years.
I went to this church almost 15 years back. I’ve seen the body and it’s quite a marvel to see the skin intact. Old Goa’s churches are another level.
I wonder how people planned and executed such marvels of architecture, which withstand the test of time. These days huge buildings get blown away and look at the centuries old Basilica of Bom Jesus; it is a testimony to the art and artisans of that time.
Beautifully written. While reading I feel, history coves alive. I have visited the church long back and it’s truly an architectural marvel.
Loved reading this! The Basilica of Bom Jesus is such a stunning place with so much history. I’ve visited it once but wahan ke guide ne bhi itna accha nahi samjaya jitna you’ve done it, that too so creatively. I’m loving this series cuz I’m learning known monuments also in a new light. And those that I haven’t visited are of course a revelation to know about and I feel fortunate that my first point of reference is through your posts/series
Wow! Such an amazing history it holds. I have visited it once but I dint know its history. Loved reading this post
This church is new for me. I never read about it. After reading your post would love to visit there. Images are awesome.
I had been to this church back in 2010. However, I was unaware of the incredible historical facts that lies behind it.
A visit to Goa is incomplete without a visit to Bom Jesus. The church reeks of history and long-standing faith, and every word in your blog rings true.
Lovely post. Yes I have visited this and agree with you on its beauty
I vaguely remember visiting this one during my childhood family trip to Goa. I haven’t been to Goa after that one trip. I might take up the trip soon
Your tale beautifully brings the Basilica of Bom Jesus to life, weaving history, spirituality, and warmth into a captivating narrative. The reverence in your words makes the reader feel both awe and peace.
I’ve been here and agree that it is grand and quite beautiful.
I love how this post brings the Basilica of Bom Jesus to life through its captivating history and spiritual significance. I can truly resonate with how beautifully it blends faith and heritage.
Absolutely fascinating! Such a beautiful building.
Oh I didn’t know about this church, so I’m glad I got to know some details.
Next time I’m in Goa, I am visiting you! For sure! ☺️
One of the finest structures of Goa. I am glad that you chose this monuments for your story. Let me tell you a secret. I am one of the very few lucky ones who has happened to see the dead body of the father, who’s preserved here carefully and is taken out once in 12 years!
Such a beautifully immersive introduction, Samata. The way the Basilica’s history comes alive through its own voice is truly captivating. Now I’m tempted to visit and listen to its whispered tales in person😁
Ice never known this place until I read this post. Thanks for introducing this and I will keep this in mind when I visit Goa